Tag Archives: city of west sacramento

West Sac police chief to retire

The City of West Sacramento this morning announced the pending retirement of Police Chief Dan Drummond. Here’s the press release:

Dan Drummond, West Sacramento's police chief for over eight years, will retire in July (courtesy photo)

“West Sacramento Police Chief Dan Drummond, after 36 years in law enforcement, has announced his retirement effective July of this year. Chief Drummond, the City’s fourth Police Chief, has served the City since August 2004.

“Prior to coming to West Sacramento, Chief Drummond commanded major public safety operations in patrol and corrections for Sacramento County. He was instrumental in the development of contract services with the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova. He was designated as the first contract Chief of Police for Citrus Heights.

“‘In responding to the news of Chief Drummond’s retirement, Mayor Christopher Cabaldon stated, ‘West Sacramento is an even safer place thanks, in no small part, to Chief Drummond and the outstanding police force he has led. Since his appointment as Chief, property crime in the city has dropped 30 per cent and violent crime has plummeted by two-thirds.’

“Chief Drummond is a leader in the area of Community Oriented Policing. During his tenure he was responsible for many programs and activities that supported the Community Oriented Policing philosophy, which focuses on community engagement and partnerships. Problem Oriented Policing (P.O.P.), Community Response Teams, and Compliance Monitoring Teams were implemented under Chief Drummond. Other notable accomplishments include:

· Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.);

· Expansion of the Neighborhood Watch program;

· Citizen’s Community Academy;

· Volunteers in Policing;

· Education and enforcement activity on sales to minors of tobacco and alcohol products;

· Outcome-based performance measures;

· Student attendance outreach program.

[adrotate group=”7”] “Chief Drummond was also active in several professional organizations including the Yolo County Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee, Chair of the Collings West Sacramento Teen Center Advisory Board, Chair of the City Employee Giving Campaign and United Way Regional Board of Directors and a member of the California Police Chiefs Legislative Committee.

“Chief Drummond stated, ‘All that has been done in the Police Department is a credit to the strong and capable management team and all of the men and women in the department, sworn and non-sworn, who serve the city with dedication and professionalism. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with them.’

“City Manager Martin Tuttle said, ‘Chief Drummond has served the public with honor and distinction. He has numerous accomplishments. West Sacramento has benefited greatly from his leadership and service.'”

Copyright News-Ledger 2013

Got a little ‘Dinger’ in you?

FROM THE NEWS-LEDGER — JAN 23, 2013 —

The Sacramento River Cats announced yesterday they are searching for enthusiastic seasonal “Cat Crew” members who “have a desire to entertain and create memories for River Cats fans,” with auditions set for Saturday, Jan. 26, at Raley Field.

[adrotate group=”10″] In addition to implementing promotions during home games, the “Cat Crew” will assist in off-site community events, perform as mascots during River Cats games, and assist in all between-inning entertainment throughout the summer at Raley Field.

Applicants should possess strong teamwork skills, have a “high energy” personality and meet other requirements, said the River Cats. Experience in dance or cheerleading is “preferred but not required.

To audition, go to Raley Field on Saturday, Jan. 26 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. All applicants must bring a resume, and will have 90 seconds to entertain the judges in an “American Idol-style” audition.

Copyright News-Ledger 2013

Youngsters raise funds for burn victims

FROM THE NEWS-LEDGER — JAN 16, 2013 —

Three West Sacramento youngsters — Jason (5), Sonja (8)and James Weldon (10), above — raise some money from family and friends every year around the holidays, reports the West Sacramento Fire Department.

This year, the youngsters chose to make their donation to the Firefighters Burn Institute. Firefighter Thomas Elliott (pictured with them) assisted them in making the donation. The kids got a tour of Station 41 on 15th Street. (courtesy photo)

Copyright News-Ledger 2013

Others’ views on school board issue

FROM THE NEWS-LEDGER — JAN 16, 2013 —

On the News-Ledger’s “Facebook” internet page this week, we invited comments to last week’s newspaper editorial.

The editorial (we’ve provided a link below) contrasted the way Washington Unified School District and Sacramento City Unified School District each handled the appointment of a new school board member to fill a vacancy, and suggested WUSD commit itself to more transparency.

We received the following feedback on Facebook:

Jenni Zimmerman Yarwood: The constant badgering and belittling of the WUSD board by both the News-Ledger and the mayor is very disheartening and troublesome.

How about being mature, responsible adults and not lowering yourself to elementary schoolyard bullying? How about coming together in a positive way with a workable solution without the constant mudslinging and backstabbing?

Sadly, this kind of behavior is very typical of the media and our government these days and it’s got to stop. We will never come together as a community, a state or a country if this kind of behavior continues. It is this kind of behavior that is literally tearing our country and our communities apart.

_______________

Ardeene Brueske Westvik: Thank you for pointing out that the Sacramento School District managed to appoint a new temporary member without the cost of an additional election. I agree that transparency is always important in any public institution.

[adrotate group=”4″] However, I would suggest it is also important when the public is asked to elect a school board. It is shocking to hear about some of the money that is very likely going to be spent to elect members some political figures wish to be placed on the Board. One really wonders what their motives are. Do they actually have some magic answer to make major improvements in the district or is their motive something less apparent?

Having been a district teacher, administrator and school board member, I know there is not a financial reason, nor can school boards make many of the decisions that are now made by Federal and State categorical fund requirements. So if some group is willing to spent as much as $10,000 for a school board position, we need to know where that money comes from.

As our most-read local newspaper, I sincerely request that you make the public very aware of the source of all funding for all candidates running for a seat on the school board. Lets have transparency in all aspects of our public offices.

_______________

Irene Perrigo Eklund: Even more important, why don’t you let the public know where the mayor and our supervisor got the money they spent on their independent expenditure committee and who is putting their name on them.

I read the article in the Bee about the Sacramento appointment and it was pretty much the same process as WUSD used. The mayor has already made the statement that if his candidate would have been appointed, this costly election would not be taking place.

So let’s just be honest about why this special election is taking place. It’s all about politics, power and greed. They surely do not care that the $130,000 price tag [for the special election] will come right from our kids’ classrooms. It is very obvious those involved do not care. Very sad indeed.

For information on the party, call 617-4770. The Rec Center is located next to River City High School, 2801 Jefferson Blvd. in Southport.

Copyright News-Ledger 2013

Photo contest: images & winners

“Club Pheasant - Since 1935,” by Frank Pereira. Third place among black & white photos.

NEWS-LEDGER — JAN 9, 2013–

From the City of West Sacramento

Following a three year absence, the City of West Sacramento brought back its photo contest as part of the City’s 25th anniversary celebration. The prize -winning photos taken by contestants in October were announced Dec. 5 by the West Sacramento City Council. One contestant, resident Andrey Klimushkin, was the only one to win prizes in two separate categories.

The categories open to amateur photographers this fall were Residents (with three separate age divisions); Nonresidents; and a special photo category, “Best Black and White”, open to all contestants. The cash prizes offered this year also reflected the City’s 25th anniversary, with prize amounts based on variations of the theme of “25.” First place winners received $250 cash; second place winners $125; and third place winners $25.

[adrotate group=”7″] 2012 Photo Contest Winners:

The winners in the “Residents Under Age 25” category: Yelena Akhanova, first place; Donovan Carlson, second place; and Jennifer Trinkle, third place. The contest also set aside a category for residents who turned 25 during 2012, the 25th anniversary year of the City’s founding. Douglas Hughes, a City employee during the contest period, won $250. In addition to Mr. Hughes, two other City employees were also prize-winners: Dena Kirtley, third place residents, age 26 and older; and Frank Pereira, third place, special Black and White. City employees participating in the contest as planners, producers, organizers, or judges, along with family members, were ineligible to enter the contest.

Winners of the category open to residents, Age 26 and older: Adonis Villanueva, first place; Andrey Klimushkin, second place; and Dena Kirtley, third place.

‘Wall-e’s Wishes,’ by Douglas Hughes. First place among entries from residents age 25 and up.

In the “Nonresidents” category, the winners were: John Hennigan, first place; Pat Soberanis, second place; and Richard Abrusci, third place. Winners in the “Black and White” special photo category: Andrey Klimushkin, first place; Janice Wang-Polagruto, second place; and Frank Pereira, third place. Mr. Klimushkin was therefore the only winner to win in two categories this year. Mr. Pereira was also a third place winner in 2009, the last previous year of the contest.

The photo contest winners met the city council on Dec. 5: pictured, left to right, are: Adonis Villanueva, first place, Residents Age 26 & Older; Janice Wang-Polagruto, second place, Black & White; Frank Pereira, third place, Black & White; John Hennigan, first place, Nonresidents; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Ledesma; Mayor Christopher Cabaldon; Council Member Oscar Villegas; Andrey Klimushkin, first place, Black & White and second place, Residents Age 26 & Older; Richard Abrusci, third place, Nonresidents; Dena Kirtley, third place, Residents Age 26 & Older; Council Member Bill Kristoff; Pat Soberanis (front row), second place, Nonresidents; Douglas Hughes, first place, Residents Age 25; Jennifer Trinkle, third place, Residents Under Age 25; Council Member Mark Johannessen; Yelena Akhanova, first place, Residents Under Age 25; and Donovan Carlson, second place, Residents Under Age 25. (Courtesy of Art Schroeder, City of West Sacramento)

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Copyright News-Ledger 2013

Baby born in car in Southport

FROM THE NEWS-LEDGER — JAN 16, 2013 —

INFANT GETS CPR ON AMBULANCE RIDE TO HOSPITAL —

West Sacramento firefighters had one of those famous “cliché” calls on Dec. 29, as a Southport woman gave birth in a car during the rush to get her to a hospital.

It was about 5:17 a.m. on a cold Saturday morning when the call came in that a woman had given birth in her vehicle on Lemontree Road. She had tried to make a break for the hospital when she went into labor, but didn’t get very far from home before the child came.

Firefighters from Station 45 on Lake Washington Boulevard responded. They were informed en route that the newborn wasn’t breathing.

“The baby was out, on the mom’s lap,” said Battalion Chief Tim Eisenbeisz of the West Sacramento Fire Department. “They had been trying to get to the hospital. The baby was not breathing at the time, and still attached to the umbilical cord. It was very cold out.”

A second ambulance was summoned to take care of the mother.

[adrotate group=”7″] “The baby wasn’t coming around,” Eisenbeisz told the News-Ledger. “Firefighter Kristopher Tower immediately started grabbed the baby and wrapped him up in blankets and got the baby into the ambulance and started CPR.”

“Prior to leaving the scene, he was able to get a pulse,” said Eisenbeisz. “The baby looked very good at the hospital. As best we can speculate, the baby was breathing on its own.”

Further information wasn’t available. Eisenbeisz said the firefighters would welcome news on the condition of the baby and mother. The family is invited to contact the News-Ledger at 371-8030 or steve@news-ledger.com if it wishes to share that information.

Do you like what you see here?

You can support local journalism, support this website, and see all the News-Ledger’s articles every week! Subscribe to the News-Ledge newspaper. It’s only $20 per year within West Sacramento – once a week, delivered to your mailbox.

You can even try it for free for two months if you live in West Sacramento. Just send your name and mailing address to FreeTrial@news-ledger.com (offer open to new subscribers in West Sacramento ZIP codes 95691 & 95605).